Childhood unintentional burn prevention: knowledge and practices among caretakers in a semi-urban community in Sri Lanka

Authors:

Dilshan Wijeratne,

University of Colombo, LK

About Dilshan

Ranjith Batuwanthudawe

Ministry of Health, LK

About Ranjith

Abstract

Background: Accidental burns are a common cause of morbidity and mortality among children under 5 years. The principal caretaker's knowledge and practices are directly associated with the child's safety.
Objective: To describe the knowledge and practices on childhood unintentional burns prevention among principal caretakers of under 5 year children in a semi-urban community.
Method: This community-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 462 principal caretakers of children below 5 years in Chilaw MOH area. Multi-stage cluster sampling technique was used. Caretaker's knowledge and practices related to unintentional burns prevention were measured using a pre-tested interviewer-administered questionnaire. Multiple linear regression analyses were used to identify socio-demographic factors associated with caretaker's knowledge and practices.
Results: In 90.5% household’s mother was the principal caretaker. The median age of principal caretakers was 27 years (lQR; 24-31years). The mean scores for overall knowledge and practices were 75.8% (±11.2%) and 67.6% (±12.8%) respectively. Three-quarters of principal caretakers were aware that children are more vulnerable for burns while 63.1% caretaker’s believed accidental burns are preventable. Over 70% of caretakers knew that many injuries can be avoided by stopping children coming to the kitchen, but only in 39.2% houses had safety barriers preventing children coming to the kitchen. Two-thirds of the principal caretakers always ensured that their children were under close supervision. The caretakers overall knowledge was significantly associated with their education level (p<0.001), caretaker’s relationship to the child (p=0.002) and family income (p=0.038). The practices related to burn prevention was significantly associated with caretaker’s education level (p<0.001), family income (p=0.006), and social class (p=0.011).
Conclusion: Young children spend most of their time in households; still there are many hazards around them which can lead to accidental burns. This study identified a gap between caretakers’ knowledge and practices which need targeted interventions to safeguard children.

How to Cite:
Wijeratne, D. and Batuwanthudawe, R., 2017. Childhood unintentional burn prevention: knowledge and practices among caretakers in a semi-urban community in Sri Lanka. Journal of the College of Community Physicians of Sri Lanka, 23(1), pp.9–18. DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/jccpsl.v23i1.8089

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Wijeratne, D. and Batuwanthudawe, R., 2017. Childhood unintentional burn prevention: knowledge and practices among caretakers in a semi-urban community in Sri Lanka. Journal of the College of Community Physicians of Sri Lanka, 23(1), pp.9–18. DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/jccpsl.v23i1.8089

Wijeratne D, Batuwanthudawe R. Childhood unintentional burn prevention: knowledge and practices among caretakers in a semi-urban community in Sri Lanka. Journal of the College of Community Physicians of Sri Lanka. 2017;23(1):9–18. DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/jccpsl.v23i1.8089

Wijeratne, D., & Batuwanthudawe, R. (2017). Childhood unintentional burn prevention: knowledge and practices among caretakers in a semi-urban community in Sri Lanka. Journal of the College of Community Physicians of Sri Lanka, 23(1), 9–18. DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/jccpsl.v23i1.8089

Wijeratne D and Batuwanthudawe R, ‘Childhood Unintentional Burn Prevention: Knowledge and Practices Among Caretakers in a Semi-urban Community in Sri Lanka’ (2017) 23 Journal of the College of Community Physicians of Sri Lanka 9 DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/jccpsl.v23i1.8089